Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in water utilities
Water Main Replacement Check Valve Impacts
Homeowners on King Road and Cedar Brook Drive say new check valves turned their plumbing into closed systems, causing water heaters to leak and forcing repairs costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. The township manager admitted notification was posted on the website instead of mailed flyers and said it's now corrected; a review including possible remediation is underway.
Main Street Area 3 Water Main Replacement
The Council awarded an $885,962 contract to William J. Guarini, Inc. to replace aging water mains in the Main Street Area 3 neighborhood.
East Millstone Water Main Connection
East Millstone's isolated water system will finally be tied into the township's main system, so a main break won't leave the whole area dry.
PSE&G substation improvements at 160 South Middlebush Road
PSE&G is seeking approval to upgrade its electrical substation with new switchgear, a transformer, and a stormwater basin. The work is meant to keep the local power grid reliable, though neighbors may notice construction near the site.
Water supply for Spangenberg Lane apartment phase
The second 30-unit building at Spangenberg Lane has been stuck because of water allocation issues between Franklin Township, New Brunswick and the NJDEP. Water for the first building is already on site, and the full permit for the second building is expected to reach DEP by year's end — which is what allowed the board to move forward now.
East Millstone Water Main Bid Rejection
Both bids for the East Millstone water main installation came in way over budget, so the Council rejected them and will rework the specs and rebid.
Sewer Rate Fairness for Businesses Discharging Clean Water
Anbarasan found some businesses discharge millions of gallons of clean water into the sewer system without industrial metering, costing ratepayers; he's working with the sewerage authority to normalize their rates.
Road Resurfacing Program Awards
Three resurfacing contracts covering Coppermine Road, Cedar Brook Drive, and Sterling Road were up for award, totaling roughly $1.5 million. Drivers on those corridors can expect smoother pavement once work is done.
$4.59M Water Utility Capital Improvements
A bond ordinance would fund $4.6 million in water utility work — replacing aging water mains, upgrading pump stations, and modernizing SCADA control systems and security. Water utility customers benefit from more reliable service.